Stop the Rub and Stay Chafe-Free
Every woman has struggled with chafing at one point or another. Chafing is generally not serious, but it can be quite uncomfortable and awkward to deal with. Even though people may not talk about it often, chafing is actually a very common problem. Thankfully, this means that there’s plenty of knowledge available for staying chafe-free and literally being comfortable in your own skin.
What Is Chafing?
Chafing is a skin irritation typically caused by skin rubbing against skin. Chafing can also be caused by your skin rubbing against a piece of clothing or material. That friction can cause your skin to be irritated and uncomfortable. Add moisture like sweat or humidity into the mix and you’re even more likely to develop chafing.
Symptoms of chafing may include:
- General discomfort or itchiness
- Rash
- Raised bumps
- Hot, stinging, or burning sensations
- Tender skin
- Flaky, dry skin
More severe cases of chafing may include broken skin, bleeding, blisters, or skin infections.
Where Does Chafing Develop?
Chafing can develop anywhere, but it typically forms where your skin repeatedly and frequently rubs against itself or another material. Athletes are particularly prone to develop chafing between their thighs or in the groin area from biking or running. People who are overweight or have bulky muscles may develop chafing from skin against skin contact on their thighs, arms, or groin. New mothers can also develop chafed nipples from breastfeeding.
In addition to these specific examples, anyone can develop chafing—even an average-sized woman walking around in a skirt on a hot or humid day.
What Helps with Chafing?
There are plenty of solutions available you can use to help relieve chafing on your own and you can even find chafing creams made specifically for women.
A fragrance-free relief lotion, cream, or gel like Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel can help relieve chafing when it happens and temporarily prevent chafed skin in the future. The Monistat Care powder gel can be used wherever you develop chafing, including your inner thighs, bikini area, underarms, and breasts. Other lotions you may already have on hand—like petroleum jelly, shea butter, or an aloe vera gel—can also serve as a barrier to prevent chafing and provide relief.
No matter what chafing solution you use, if your condition doesn’t improve within seven days, or clear up and then occurs again within a few days, then it’s time to talk to your doctor.
Chafing Relief Powder Gel®
Learn about Monistat Care® Chafing Relief Powder Gel
3 Tips to Prevent Chafing
If you know that you chafe easily, you can take the following three steps to help prevent chafing before irritation develops.
Wear loose clothing
Since chafing is typically caused by friction of skin rubbing against skin or clothing, wearing loose, breathable clothing can help eliminate that friction. Loose 100% cotton clothing is ideal for everyday wear, allowing airflow and absorbing moisture and sweat. For exercising though, you’ll want a moisture-wicking fabric that can pull sweat away from skin, so your clothing is less likely to stick to your skin. (Read “How to Stay Active and Chafe-Free” for more tips to prevent chafing while working out.) Look out for seams and tags as well, since they can uncomfortably rub against your skin.
Apply balms or creams
Even before chafing develops, you can apply a gel, cream, or jelly on your skin. Monistat Care’s chafing relief powder gel, chub rub creams, petroleum jelly, and other anti-chafing creams can help protect your skin and reduce friction from skin-on-skin contact.
Practice good hygiene
Sweat and moisture are two factors that contribute to chafing. With that in mind, it’s important to shower or bathe regularly. If your skin is already irritated, pat the area dry as opposed to rubbing a towel over the sensitive skin. Regularly applying deodorant will also keep your armpits dry and protect your skin from friction
Chafing can be a major pain, but prevention is key. Experiment with these steps until you find something that works. And, if you’ve tried these steps and are still having problems with chafing, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. As a skin expert, your dermatologist can be a terrific source for skin solutions that are right for your unique needs.